Dale Chihuly Large 15” 1989 Liliac Seaform Signed Hand Blown Glass

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Lilac Seaform
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Dimensions: 9 1/4" high x 15 3/4" wide x 9 1/2" deep
Year: 1989
Inscription: Signed and dated “Chihuly 89" on underside
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity

Dale Chihuly's "Lilac Seaform", created in 1989, exemplifies the artist's mastery in glass art. Measuring 9 1/4 inches high, 15 3/4 inches wide, and 9 1/2 inches deep, this vessel radiates an ethereal beauty with its soft, light purple hue. The piece showcases Chihuly's signature asymmetrical form, characterized by a pinched round shape and delicate scalloped sides. The transparent purple ground is intricately adorned with horizontal blue bands, adding a dynamic visual rhythm to the work. A blue wrap lip further accentuates the vessel's fluid, organic form, reminiscent of sea creatures and oceanic waves.

"Lilac Seaform" captures the essence of Chihuly's innovative approach to glass making, where vibrant colors and dynamic forms converge, evoking the natural beauty and mystery of the underwater world. This exquisite piece stands as a testament to Chihuly's artistic vision and technical prowess, making it a cherished addition to any collection.

Dale Chihuly's 1989 Lilac Seaform is signed and dated on the underside and includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly, renowned for his exquisite glasswork and vibrantly colored paintings, stands as one of the most prominent modern American artists. Though his glass creations brought him international acclaim, Chihuly is a versatile master of many mediums.

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly developed an early passion for art. He pursued this interest by studying Interior Design at the University of Washington. After graduation, he enrolled in the country's first glass program at the University of Wisconsin. In 1968, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study glassblowing at the prestigious Venini glass factory in Venice, Italy. There, Chihuly embraced the collaborative approach to glassblowing, a method he would use throughout his career. He later earned a second master's degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he was invited to establish and lead the school's inaugural glass department. Concurrently, Chihuly founded the Pilchuck Glass School near Stanwood, Washington, in 1971, pushing the boundaries of glass sculpture and developing the large-scale installations that became his signature.

Chihuly's first New York exhibition in 1971 showcased designs inspired by Navajo blanket patterns, reflecting the influence of Native American culture on his work. His Baskets and Cylinders series, inspired by Native American basketry, was exhibited at the Smithsonian in 1978, marking a significant milestone in his career. By 1980, Chihuly's work was being featured in solo shows and installations worldwide, including notable exhibitions in Israel and Brazil. In 1983, he began exploring new techniques and forms in his glasswork, with his Seaforms series introducing more vibrant colors and abstract shapes.

Chihuly's extensive artistic experience allows him to blend elements from various disciplines, creating a unique aesthetic. His background in interior design informs the weaving techniques in his glass sculptures and his ability to conceptualize three-dimensional works in relation to their space. Despite a shoulder injury in 1979 that prevents him from blowing glass himself, Chihuly continues to create through painting and drawing, translating his vision into groundbreaking glass art.